Understand EITC

Get up to $6,318 back when filing your taxes this year!

That’s a lot of money back in your pocket! If you are at least 25 and under 65 or have a qualifying child, you may be eligible for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a refundable credit available to individuals and families that is worth up to $6,318 per income tax return. EITC does not count as income. So no matter how much you get back, you’ll still be eligible for any government assistance programs you’re enrolled in.

In previous years, more than 197,000 Philadelphians received an EITC refund, but over 40,000 of those who were eligible never applied—leaving over $100 million on the table. And the average refund is $2,500. It’s your money. So get back what’s rightfully yours. This website will help you to:

Find out if you qualify

Calculate the maximum credit amount

Find tax professionals who will help you complete your tax return for free

Claim your tax credit

Basic Eligibility Rules

You, your spouse and any qualifying child you list on your tax return must have a valid Social Security number.

Filing Status

You cannot claim EITC if your filing status is married, filing separately, but you can claim EITC if you are:

Married, filing jointly

Head of household

Qualifying widow(er)

Single

Want more info?

For complete details on the Earned Income Tax Credit, and how much more money it could mean for you or your family, please visit the U.S. Internal Revenue Service .

There are limits on how much you can earn in Tax Year 2017 and still qualify for the EITC. And there are two ways you can earn income:

You can work for someone who pays you, or

You can own or run a business or a farm.

2017 Income Eligibility Based on Filing Status

Number of Qualifying Children

Single, Head of Household, Widowed

Married, Filing Jointly

Maximum Benefit

Number of Qualifying Children:None

Single, Head of Household, Widowed:$15,010

Married, Filing Jointly:$20,600

Maximum Benefit:$510

Number of Qualifying Children:One

Single, Head of Household, Widowed:$39,617

Married, Filing Jointly:$45,207

Maximum Benefit:$3,400

Number of Qualifying Children:Two

Single, Head of Household, Widowed:$45,007

Married, Filing Jointly:$50,597

Maximum Benefit:$5,616

Number of Qualifying Children:Three or more

Single, Head of Household, Widowed:$48,340

Married, Filing Jointly:$53,930

Maximum Benefit:$6,318

Maximum Investment Income

If you have income from investments, it must be $3,400 or less, and be counted as part of the maximum earned income levels in the chart above.

Calculate EITC

Calculate your EITC

Tax Year 2017 Estimator

Filing Status:

Number of Children:

Household Earnings:

$

Your EITC could be:

$

Locate EITC

Now that you know how much extra money could be coming your way, you should also know that there are professionals who will help you prepare your federal and state taxes, free of charge, throughout Philadelphia. To find information on free tax preparation assistance—including location, hours of operation, which sites offer appointments or drop off service, and more—review the list below.

If you feel you do not need help and are comfortable preparing your own return, use the free forms available from the IRS. Download them here .

Open:

Voorhees Camden County Library

203 Laurel Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043

English

Walk-In

Open:

Thu.: 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

In partnership with:

Claim EITC

Here's how to claim your EITC and what you should bring with you.

You cannot receive your EITC unless you file a Federal tax return and claim it. Before you go to one of Philadelphia’s free tax preparation locations, please bring the following information with you to ensure that your tax return is done correctly. You must file no later than April 17, 2018.

Social Security cards, a Social Security number verification letter, or other U.S. document that verifies all the people you list on your return.

Birthdates for all the people listed on your return.

Copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns.

All income statements, such as Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security and unemployment compensation, as well as other statements such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld.

If you run a business or a farm, collect records of all your expenses.

All records of other expenses such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes.

Dependent child care information, such as name and address of paid caretakers and either their Social Security number or other tax identification number.

If you purchased insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace use Form 1095-A , Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.

That’s all there is to it. If you’re qualified, go and claim your Earned Income Tax Credit. You’re entitled to! It’s your money. You earned it. And remember, you can get free assistance to prepare your 2017 tax return—even if you are not eligible for the EITC. if you have any other questions about the Federal EITC, please visit the U.S. Internal Revenue Service .

Partner Resources

Download materials with details on earned income tax credits, tips on how to claim money, and locations for FREE tax help. Some items are available in multiple languages.